Turn a Bench Into a Dog's Sofa

Anyone who know me - knows my love of animals.  I grew up on a farm and although my career took me away from the hustle and bustle of that life I longed to be back seeing cattle grazing in the fields, horses hitched to the sleigh and a dog by my side.  So, years later when I had the chance to have a hobby farm I took the opportunity – and rescued horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, cats and dogs.  What a wonderful life!

So, here’s the thing…..

Angus and Fiona are two little sweeties! Destined for Death Row at a  Rescue Center - caged, unwanted and unloved, my friend stepped in and took these babies under her wing. They've never looked back. They now know that life can be good... and they have it good!  Winter jackets, studded monogrammed collars, home cooked meals, toys, treats, long walks and a warm bed that they gladly “share” with their master.

On a recent visit my friend asked if I could do something special with a bench she had picked up at The Joy of Antiques (a fabulous shop in Petite Riviere on the South Shore). She wanted to turn it into a raised bed for Angus and Fiona.  I loved the idea of those two beauties having their own ‘sofa” on which to lounge, up off the floor at eye level with their guests.  She asked me to paint it in English Yellow then heavily distress and reupholster in a fabric which looked like dog paw prints. I brought the bench home and went to work. 

Tools for this project:

Annie Sloan Chalk paint, wax and brushes

Batting, Fabric and other tools

Steel Wool and Sanding Blocks

Cotton gloves or Rags

Using my staple remover and plyers I stripped off the old fabric and removed too many staples to count!  The batting was in great shape so I left that for extra cushioning. 

The bench was a little high for Angus and Fiona so I sawed off the legs by three inches. I didn't need to fill the staple holes as they were going to be covered when I reupholstered - time saver!

One good coat of Annie Sloan English Yellow and the bench was taking on a whole new look.  Following a coat of clear wax, I distressed it with a medium weight steel wool and followed up with dark wax for the aged affect.  I went over the bench with a fine steel wool to touch up places where I thought the bench would be worn after so many years.

Then I painted the bottom of the bench in FAT Chalk Paint, Autumn, waxed it and added my stamp. 

Upholstering

I added another piece of batting and stapled it in place. I have to be honest - I wasn’t excited about the fabric my friend had chosen – I just thought we could do better. I know, I know, the client is always right….but I just had to run a few options by her and then I would do whatever she asked. One of the options I shared was a faux alpaca style fabric that I had picked up at Atlantic Fabric to make a funky bear or rabbit at some point.  The fabric is so long and lush – it was just begging Angus and Fiona to snuggle – so I was 'willing" to part with it.  Luckily it didn’t take any convincing at all and my friend was onboard.

I cut the fabric to fit the bench and stapled it in place.  Followed that up with a trim in the same color and secured it with a dark brass nail head. Ta-da!

Now why I don’t have a before or during photo of this bench – I don’t know.  I probably forgot my camera at the house or perhaps I only needed an after photo never intending to start a blog and share! 

In any event, here is the after photos of this little gem.

So cozy and funky!

It's all in the detail!

After I delivered the bench Angus and Fiona jump up, buried their heads in the long soft strands then posed for a picture!  Mission accomplished! 

(Insert: XOXO, Love Auntie M!)

Please let me know if I can answer any questions about products used on this project – or any other. I’d love to share them with you. Do you have a piece if furniture you don’t know what to do with?  Send me a picture and I will provide a free consultation for you!

“You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats his dog.”   

- Peary Perry

Until next time – Live Simply!
           Mary Elizabeth